Apps for foreigners in Brazil – The 11 essentials

Apps for foreigners in Brazil – The 11 essentials

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Traveling to Brazil can be a rich and intense experience — but also full of challenges, especially for those who don’t speak Portuguese. That’s why we always recommend the best apps for foreigners in Brazil to those visiting us.

Whether it’s getting around big cities, ordering food, or exchanging money, certain apps make all the difference in your daily travel experience. They help overcome language barriers, improve safety, and save time.

In this article, Brasil ATM lists the most useful apps based on practical testing, reliable reviews, and the most common questions from first-time visitors to Brazil.

Apps for foreigners in Brazil – The 11 essentials
Content produced by the Brasil ATM team, specialists in tourism in Brazil and practical advice for foreign travelers. Based on up-to-date data and real experiences, we recommend the best apps to use in the country — helping you get around, communicate, and enjoy your trip with more autonomy and confidence.

🔎 How we selected the apps
The Brasil ATM team tested the main apps across different regions of the country and gathered recommendations from travelers who visited Brazil in the last 12 months. We also considered updated data from app stores and useful features for non-Portuguese speakers. The goal is to ensure convenience, safety, and autonomy for the foreign tourist.

In this article, you’ll find:

The best apps for foreigners in Brazil

We selected the most useful and accessible apps for those visiting the country as tourists, focusing on transportation, translation, food delivery, currency exchange, accommodation, and health. All were tested by our team or recommended by travelers we’ve received in Brazil.

AppCategoryLanguagesOffline?Notes
Google MapsNavigationMultilingualYes (saved maps)Useful for routes and locating businesses
Uber & 99TransportMultilingualNoReliable taxi alternatives with fixed pricing
Google TranslateTranslationMultilingualYes (with download)Real-time voice, image, and text translation
iFoodFoodPortugueseNoMost-used delivery app in Brazil
WhatsAppCommunicationMultilingualYes (after setup)Main communication app in the country
Xe CurrencyCurrencyEnglishPartialReal-time exchange rate lookup
Get Your GuideToursMultilingualNoBook tours and experiences with English/Spanish guides
AirbnbLodgingMultilingualNoWide variety of local accommodations
BookingLodgingMultilingualYes (saved bookings)Hotels, inns, free cancellation in many cases
CorisTravel InsurancePortuguese & SpanishNoApp to access assistance and travel support

What are apps for foreigners in Brazil used for?

Apps for foreigners in Brazil – The 11 essentials
Apps for foreigners in Brazil help tourists get around, communicate, and explore the country safely and independently — even without speaking Portuguese.

These apps help tourists get around, communicate, and handle practical tasks with more autonomy.

With the right apps on your phone, you can explore Brazil more independently and safely — even if you don’t speak the language. See how each app category can transform your travel experience.

1. How to get around safely in Brazil?

Uber and 99 operate in almost all Brazilian capitals and major tourist cities. With fixed fares and GPS tracking, they avoid surprises, long negotiations, and confusing taxi rides.

Tip: Always check that the car’s license plate and driver match the app info before entering.

2. How to translate menus and talk to locals?

Google Translate is essential. It lets you translate signs, menus, and even real-time conversations using voice and camera. WhatsApp is crucial to speak with hotels, guides, and drivers — nearly all services in Brazil use it.

📲 Save useful phrases in Google Translate for quick use: “Can you help me?”, “Where is the bathroom?”, “Do you accept cards?”

To ensure WhatsApp works during your trip, it’s best to have a good data plan. Check how to use internet in Brazil with an eSIM or local SIM card.

3. Which app to use to order food in Brazil?

With iFood, you can order meals anywhere, even for pickup (“para viagem”). Although the app is in Portuguese, it’s intuitive and can be used with translation help.

🍔 Tip: Check restaurant ratings before ordering and use the “free delivery” filter to save money.

4. How to book lodging easily in Brazil?

Book accommodations, exchange money, book tours, and access insurance with reliable apps. Learn how to plan your trip to Brazil with independence and safety.

When booking through Booking, you can:

  • Filter by location
  • Read guest reviews
  • Choose accommodations with free cancellation

Both Booking and Airbnb offer thousands of options across the country with multilingual support. You can filter by location, guest rating, and cancellation policies.

5. Currency exchange and cash access

Xe Currency provides real-time exchange rates and helps you understand how exchange works to get the best value.

To withdraw cash, use the ATM24h network, found in airports, malls, and supermarkets. See where to find an ATM24h near you safely and conveniently.

6. Tours and experiences with English or Spanish-speaking guides

Get Your Guide is perfect for booking tours in advance in various Brazilian cities. The platform offers:

  • English or Spanish-speaking guides
  • Free cancellation for most experiences
  • Reliable support, even during the trip
  • Easy booking via app or website

🗺 Popular tour options in Brazil:

  • Boat tours in Rio de Janeiro
  • Guided hikes in Paraty
  • City tours in Salvador with Spanish-speaking guides

7. Medical assistance and emergency support

If you’ve purchased travel insurance, the official app lets you request medical care, report lost luggage, or cancel trips directly from your phone. Support is multilingual and available 24/7.

🚑 Always travel with active insurance and the app installed — every second counts in emergencies.

Don’t have a plan yet? Learn why it’s important to get travel insurance when visiting Brazil.

Which app to use in each situation?

Not sure which app to use during your trip? See the table below for the best app based on each tourist need:

SituationRecommended App
Arriving at or leaving the airportUber or 99
Finding addresses and routesGoogle Maps
Translating conversations or signsGoogle Translate
Talking to hotel staff or guidesWhatsApp
Ordering food in your hotel or AirbnbiFood
Checking exchange ratesXe Currency
Finding safe ATMsATM24h official site
Booking a hotel or guesthouseBooking
Renting a house or apartmentAirbnb
Booking guided toursGet Your Guide
Requesting travel insurance supportCoris

Conclusion – travel safely and smoothly in Brazil

With the best apps for foreigners in Brazil, you travel with more safety, savings, and independence — even without speaking Portuguese. Plan your trip with Brasil ATM.

Apps for foreigners in Brazil help you:

  • Overcome language barriers
  • Travel safely
  • Make better food choices
  • Save time and money
  • Explore more confidently and independently

Traveling in Brazil can be an incredible experience — as long as you have the right tools.

The best apps for foreigners in Brazil help break down language barriers, ensure safe travel, improve dining decisions, and even save you money.

With planning and the right apps on your phone, you can explore the country confidently, independently, and comfortably.

Visiting Brazil soon?
Install the right apps, save our guides, and travel with peace of mind, comfort, and autonomy.

Where to withdraw money from ATM24h in Brazil

To make the most of your trip to Brazil, carry some cash. It ensures a smooth experience — in some places, cash is essential to eat, get around, pay for attractions, and more.

Here’s a list of some ATM24h machines in the regions mentioned in this article:

LocationAccess
Guarulhos Airport – São PauloView all points here
Congonhas Airport – São PauloView all points here
Curitiba AirportView all points here
Brasília AirportView all points here
Florianópolis AirportView all points here

Get to know Brasil ATM

At Brasil ATM, we see Brazil as a place full of unique beauty and a fascinating culture. Our platform, supported by the global brand ATM24h, showcases our love for Brazil. We aim to inspire tourists to explore its wonders safely and with confidence.

We provide accurate, up-to-date, and inspiring content in three languages — so you have everything you need to plan your trip with confidence. Also, we offer travel guides, detailed itineraries, and planning tips to help travelers create unforgettable memories.

We highlight Brazil’s natural and cultural beauty. Explore famous destinations like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo — and discover hidden gems like Lençóis Maranhenses and Fernando de Noronha.
We’re here to help you make the most of your trip.

Brasil ATM
Discover Brazil’s beauty and culture with Brasil ATM. Get reliable guides, tips, and inspiration to explore safely and make your trip unforgettable.

Did you enjoy this article? Read more about Brazil:

Frequently asked questions – Apps for foreigners in Brazil

Do I need internet to use apps for foreigners in Brazil?

Yes, most apps require an active connection, but some work offline if data is downloaded. Discover the best apps tested by Brasil ATM and see which ones work without internet.

Do these apps work outside major cities?

Some apps like Google Maps and WhatsApp work very well, even in rural areas. Check out our selection of apps for foreigners in Brazil that help you travel anywhere.

Do I need to buy a local SIM card to use the internet?

Yes, it’s highly recommended. An eSIM or local SIM card ensures a stable connection and saves money. See which apps are worth installing with Brasil ATM’s guide.

What’s the best app to monitor the Brazilian real?

Xe Currency shows real-time exchange rates and works partially offline. Discover this and other essential apps for foreigners in Brazil with practical tips from Brasil ATM.

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